For the Quarter Ending June 2025
North America
• Fluoroelastomer (FKM) prices in North America held stable Q o Q in Q2 2025, supported by consistent supply and muted demand from key sectors.
• Supply remained well-balanced, with major producers such as Chemours, Solvay, and 3M/Dyneon maintaining steady operating rates.
• Weakening demand from automotive and industrial markets, along with slower export orders and cautious restocking by converters, limited domestic buying.
• A slight dip in key input costs like raw materials and freight provided some support to pricing dynamics, helping maintain margin stability.
• Logistical hiccups—including port congestion and inland transport delays—added local pressure to trading conditions.
Why did the price of FKM change in July 2025 in the US?
• FKM prices remained modestly up in July 2025.
• End-use demand from automotive and aerospace remained flat, offering little momentum for price increases.
• Elevated inventories and aggressive pricing from overseas suppliers, especially in Asia, exerted downward pressure.
• Producers absorbed input cost increases to preserve market share, prioritizing contract continuity over margin gains.
Europe
• FKM prices in Europe rose approximately +0.6% Q o Q in Q2 2025, reflecting improved demand signals.
• Supply remained disciplined, with European producers managing production rates to align with demand patterns.
• Input cost trending—driven by raw material and energy costs—remained moderate, helping contain price escalation.
• Firms faced persistent export competition and logistical barriers (e.g. port congestion), keeping pricing buoyant but cautious.
• Aviation and automotive upticks provided some offtake support, moderating downside risk.
Why did the price of FKM change in July 2025 in Europe?
• FKM prices experienced a slight increase in July 2025.
• Strengthening vehicle registrations and Airbus deliveries improved end-market sentiment.
• Controlled supply release and competitiveness in export channels supported price resilience.
• Suppliers maintained balanced pricing policies to preserve volumes without triggering spot volatility.
Asia Pacific
• FKM prices in APAC edged up by +0.2% Q o Q during Q2 2025, driven by recovering regional demand.
• Asian producers operated at high rates, managing inventories cautiously to avoid pressure on domestic pricing.
• Supportive raw material pricing trends (e.g. consistent fluoropolymer feedstock costs) helped stabilize production cost.
• Demand remained mixed: rebound in automotive and aerospace mixed with slower electronics/semiconductor demand.
• Export interest from China and South Korea provided additional buffer for regional pricing.
Why did the price of FKM change in July 2025 in APAC?
• FKM prices posted a modest increase in July 2025.
• Improving Japanese vehicle sales and strong automotive exports helped sustain procurement interest.
• Korean and Japanese suppliers adjusted prices to reflect improving downstream demand and to maintain export competitiveness.
• Supportive Aerospace and the semiconductor sectors demand globally is stimulating the FKM demand and pricing towards upside.
For the Quarter Ending March 2025
North America
• The Fluoroelastomer Spot Price in North America declined by 1.71% quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2025, reflected in a softer Price Index.
• Stable supply with consistent production and sufficient inventory was offset by tempered demand from automotive, aerospace, and semiconductor sectors.
• Logistical challenges, including proposed maritime shipping fee hikes, added supply-side pressures, though no major outages occurred.
• Moderate growth in automotive sales and fluctuating aerospace demand (notably due to Boeing’s production issues) influenced the Fluoroelastomer Demand Outlook.
• Rising raw material and labor costs were present but balanced by cautious procurement amid steady interest rates and cautious consumer sentiment.
Why did the price of Fluoroelastomer change in April 2025 in the US?
• In April 2025, the Fluoroelastomer Price Index remained steady further due to persistent demand softness despite stable supply and ongoing cost pressures.
• The Fluoroelastomer Production Cost Trend showed upward pressure from raw materials and labor, but market prices remained subdued.
• The Fluoroelastomer Price Forecast indicates continued muted price movements, with resilience tempered by demand uncertainty.
APAC
• The Fluoroelastomer Spot Price in Japan fell by 2.46% quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2025, causing a downward movement in the Price Index.
• Softer demand from semiconductor manufacturing and some automotive sector challenges weighed on the market, despite strong vehicle sales and semiconductor growth globally.
• Manufacturers managed inventories effectively amid stable supply and smooth port operations, preventing oversupply issues.
• Export activity remained stable, but global uncertainties and trade policies dampened business confidence, contributing to cautious procurement.
• FKM pricing stayed relatively stable due to supplier focus on high-value applications, balancing overall price pressures.
Why did the price of Fluoroelastomer change in April 2025 in Asia?
• In April 2025, the Fluoroelastomer Price Index stable due to subdued demand growth and ongoing cautious sentiment, despite supply-side stability.
• The Fluoroelastomer Production Cost Trend was steady with no significant disruptions reported.
• The Fluoroelastomer Demand Outlook remains cautious but balanced by resilient automotive sector performance.
• The Fluoroelastomer Price Forecast expects mild downward pressure unless demand in key sectors strengthens.
Europe
• The Fluoroelastomer Spot Price in Europe dropped by 1.14% quarter-over-quarter in Q1 2025, reflected in the declining Price Index.
• Supply was stable with steady local production and imports, though logistical disruptions at key ports (Hamburg, Rotterdam, Le Havre) caused delays and uncertainty.
• Demand remained weak in the automotive sector with declining new car registrations, partially offset by resilience in aerospace (notably Airbus order growth).
• Germany’s improving business sentiment and ECB interest rate cuts provided some positive support but were insufficient to reverse the price decline.
Why did the price of Fluoroelastomer change in April 2025 in Europe?
• In April 2025, the Fluoroelastomer Price Index decreased further due to weak automotive demand and ongoing supply chain uncertainties.
• The Fluoroelastomer Production Cost Trend remained steady, supported by stable supply but challenged by logistical complexities.
• The Fluoroelastomer Demand Outlook is cautious, with automotive weakness dominating despite some aerospace strength.
• The Fluoroelastomer Price Forecast suggests continued softness unless automotive sector conditions improve markedly.
For the Quarter Ending December 2024
North America
The US Fluoroelastomer (FKM) market demonstrated a stable trend throughout the last quarter, with prices experiencing a marginal 0.05% increase. This modest growth reflects balanced market fundamentals supported by stable supply and strategic inventory management by suppliers. While the automotive sector maintained steady demand, particularly for hybrid and electric vehicles, the aerospace sector's subdued performance limited broader market gains.
Manufacturing activity in the US showcased mixed results. The automotive industry saw consistent growth, with vehicle sales rising steadily across October, November, and December. However, the aerospace sector faced challenges, including production delays, labor strikes, and regulatory scrutiny, which hindered recovery despite isolated positive developments like Boeing's large order for 787 MAX 10 jets.
On the supply side, suppliers ensured robust inventories, mitigating the impact of port congestion and logistical disruptions during the holiday season. Improved stock management minimized supply chain challenges, allowing for smooth order fulfilment. Overall, the marginal price increase reflects a cautiously optimistic market outlook driven by the resilience of key sectors like automotive and effective supplier actions, despite headwinds in manufacturing and muted international trade flows.
APAC
In the last quarter, Fluoroelastomer (FKM) prices in Japan experienced a modest 0.16% increase from the previous quarter. The market demonstrated resilience, maintaining stable price levels despite various challenges, including weak demand from the automotive sector and logistical constraints, such as port congestion and extended lead times. The aerospace sector, however, remained a positive driver, supporting overall market stability, with strong performance from companies like Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which reported growth in aerospace orders and revenues. The supply of FKM in Japan was adequate, with inventory management playing a key role in maintaining price stability. Manufacturers faced logistical issues but noted some improvement in raw material availability, which helped offset delays. On the demand side, moderate demand was seen across key sectors, with domestic automotive sales declining, while overseas demand provided some support. The cautious market sentiment, coupled with improving raw material availability, allowed manufacturers to maintain stable pricing despite challenges. Overall, the modest increase in pricing reflects a balanced market, with steady supply, cautious demand, and ongoing logistical hurdles influencing the overall dynamics.
Europe
The German Fluoroelastomer (FKM) market exhibited relative stability during the fourth quarter of 2024, with prices experiencing a modest 0.58% decrease compared to the previous quarter. This decline reflects cautious inventory management and a balanced supply-demand dynamic, supported by steady production levels and reliable import availability. From a manufacturing perspective, suppliers maintained stable output, ensuring adequate inventory levels despite logistical challenges such as port congestion in Hamburg and other European hubs. Improved operational efficiencies mitigated disruptions, enhancing delivery performance. On the demand side, automotive sector performance fluctuated, with a gradual decline in new passenger car registrations through the quarter. November saw a slight uptick in registrations, but December closed on a weaker note, dampening overall sentiment. Conversely, the aerospace sector provided steady support, with Airbus recording robust deliveries and orders throughout the quarter, contributing to stable consumption of high-performance elastomers like FKM. Economic challenges in Europe, including weak manufacturing activity and declining business confidence, further restrained market momentum. However, prudent supplier actions, aligned with cautious procurement strategies, helped prevent significant price volatility, ensuring market equilibrium despite broader uncertainties.
For the Quarter Ending September 2024
North America
In Q3 2024, the North American Fluoroelastomer market has experienced stability in prices, largely influenced by balanced supply and demand dynamics. Factors such as moderate demand from key sectors like automotive have contributed to the steady pricing environment. While the Aerospace sector continued to showcase an underperformance due to Boeing underperformance which has hammered the overall FKM consumption in the respective period.
Additionally, effective inventory management by suppliers has helped maintain price equilibrium in the region. In the USA, where the most significant price changes were observed, the market saw marginal fluctuations reflecting broader global trends. The 0.77% increase from the same quarter last year and the 0.98% change from the previous quarter in 2024 indicate a gradual but steady price trend.
The quarter-ending price of USD 36,050/MT for Fluoroelastomer MV 30 FOB USGC in the USA underscores the overall stable sentiment in the market. Despite varying demand levels and economic conditions, the Fluoroelastomer pricing environment has remained resilient and balanced throughout Q3 2024.
APAC
In Q3 2024, Fluoroelastomer prices in the APAC region experienced a notable upward trajectory, driven by several key factors. Strong demand from essential sectors such as automotive and aerospace, combined with consistent supply dynamics, has led to price increases. The aerospace sector in Japan and the Indian market has significantly supported overall Fluoroelastomer consumption, demonstrating resilience and competitive positioning that foster stable pricing across the region. However, the Chinese market faced a downturn in economic activity, which impacted Fluoroelastomer pricing dynamics in Japan. Notably, Japan witnessed the most substantial price changes, reflecting overall stability amidst global economic uncertainties. A 5.92% increase from the same quarter last year highlights the market's growth, while a 2.05% rise from the previous quarter in 2024 indicates sustained momentum. Additionally, a 1% price comparison between the first and second half of the quarter further illustrates a steady pricing environment. The latest quarter-ending price of USD 26,650/MT for Fluoroelastomer MV 30 FOB Tokyo underscores a stable and positive pricing environment, showcasing the market's resilience and strength.
Europe
In Q3 2024, the European Fluoroelastomer market showed notable price stability, primarily due to balanced supply-demand dynamics and strategic actions by key suppliers. Throughout the quarter, a blend of contributing factors helped uphold this equilibrium. Major suppliers aligned production closely with demand, successfully minimizing any substantial price fluctuations. This steadiness was further supported by strong demand in sectors like aerospace, which helped offset weaker performances in other areas, thus preserving market balance. In Germany, where price movements were most evident, the market followed a stable trend through the quarter. Despite seasonal adjustments and varied sector performances, prices displayed steady behavior. Fluoroelastomer pricing rose slightly by 0.69% from the previous quarter and recorded a notable 5.79% increase compared to the same period in the prior year, signaling a positive price trend. By the end of the quarter, Fluoroelastomer MV 30 FD Hamburg stood at USD 51,100/MT, reflecting an environment of effective supplier strategies and well-maintained supply-demand dynamics that supported consistent pricing stability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. What is the current price of Fluoroelastomer (FKM)?
o As of June 2025, the Fluoroelastomer (FKM) price was assessed at USD 34550/MT on a FOB USGC.
2. Who are the top FKM producers globally?
o Major producers include Chemours, Solvay, 3M/Dyneon, Daikin, and Solvay’s European facilities.
3. What is the FKM Price Forecast for Q3 2025?
o Expected to remain stable to slightly positive, with firm input cost trends balanced by cautious downstream activity.
4. How is the FKM Production Cost Trend impacting global prices?
o While raw material and freight costs remain steady, subdued demand limits producers’ ability to pass costs through to end-users.
